Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Need a quick, fresh, and healthy meal? This Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is light, zesty, and packed with protein and flavor! Juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette come together in minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a refreshing dinner. Plus, it’s loaded with lean protein, fiber, and vitamin C—great for energy and immune support! With just a handful of ingredients, this easy pasta salad is a no-fuss way to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
The best part? This Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is super versatile! Swap the chicken for shrimp or chickpeas for a different protein twist. Add feta, avocado, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Want more greens? Toss in some spinach or arugula. Try a sprinkle of parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can even switch up the pasta—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even orzo work great. Whether you keep it simple or mix it up, this salad is always a win!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Light & Fresh – A zesty lemon vinaigrette keeps it refreshing and flavorful.
- Healthy & Balanced – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
- Super Versatile – Swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, picnics, or potlucks!
Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups bow tie pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup bell pepper diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch pepper
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil bow tie pasta until tender. Drain and let cool.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Dice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and chopped bell peppers.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious and healthy meals:
- Dense Bean Salad – A protein-packed, fiber-rich salad perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
- Mexican Chicken Salad – A flavorful twist on classic chicken salad with bold spices and fresh ingredients.
- Ground Chicken Tacos – A lighter take on tacos, featuring seasoned ground chicken for a tasty and satisfying bite.
- Ground Chicken Chili – A comforting, protein-rich chili that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes – A delicious roasted veggie side dish that pairs crispy Brussels sprouts with caramelized sweet potatoes.